Episode 77: Gymnast Nervous Stomach and Competition Nutrition

Does your gymnast suffer from “nervous stomach”? Do competition nerves cause your gymnast to perform differently the day of a meet?

Some gymnasts get so worked up the day of a competition with nerves, anxiousness, and are apprehensive about their performance. As a result, fueling is literally the LAST thing they’re thinking about. Or maybe its something they’re actively avoiding because of a fear of throwing up or making a run to the bathroom mid rotation.

I get it. I get nervous too. And our bodies naturally go into “fight or flight” mode when those nerves get the best of us. 

Anytime we enter this time of the year, aka competition season, we are often faced with competition nerves and anxiety that can sometimes make food intake really difficult. Maybe you’re the parent of a gymnast with nervous stomach who REFUSES to eat the day of a competition.

But that is why we’re talking about this topic today. Because if your gymnast wants to compete how they practice, they have to have proven nutrition strategies that they can use day in and day out during training.

In this episode you’ll hear about:  

• What is gymnast “nervous stomach” and is it avoidable?
• What your gymnast should focus on eating before a meet if they suffer from nervous stomach
• Why meet day fueling is just one part of an overall Performance Nutrition Plan

 Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 75: You vs You – Is your gymnast meeting her full potential?
• Episode 72: How to keep your gymnast from imploding this competition season
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or support@christinaandersonrdn.com